Christ Jesus, turn my present pain into your great joy.

John 16:16-20
                     
An encounter with Christ Jesus inevitably resulted in transformation (either for, or against, him) in his day and still in ours. It is also true that pain can become a building block of deep and lasting joy, witness the Resurrection. The Problem of Pain, as C.S.Lewis called it, is perhaps the biggest challenge we can bring to the healing presence of Jesus.  When pain, whether of body or soul, arises in me, I always have a choice.  When I choose to rely on my own resources and the science of the malady, pain of any kind draws me into a vortex of self-pity, often rendering me too exhausted and heartless to continue to walk the journey of life with Jesus. But when I choose to allow the Holy Spirit of Jesus to intervene in my experience of hurt, He transforms my pain into a deep joy, enlivened by true faith, hope and love.  Am I willing to deliberately bring the aching places in my life to Christ, to allow Him to turn them into his unshakable joy? Christ Jesus, turn my present pain into your great joy.   
 
O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellous things.  (Psalm 98)
 
Peace begins with a smile.
Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta
 
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Soli ad gloriam Dei
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